Sunday, October 01, 2006

For Sale: Property in East Lansing

It took 60 minutes, but Michigan State finally showed some fight Saturday against Illinois. Unfortunately for the Spartans, the game was over and Illinois had won, 23-20. The Fighting Illini, in a practice that has been banned by the Big Ten, tried to claim Spartan Stadium as their own by planting the Illinois flag at the 50. Of course, a fracas erupted and now expect a reprimand and possible suspension of players. In a comment we find interesting, Michigan State linebacker David Herron said: "They tried to plant their flag in the middle of the field. We're not going to take that. You won. Just take it." How soon they forget. Michigan State started this practice last year. After an overtime win at Notre Dame, Spartan players planted their flag at midfield. Minnesota players did the same three weeks later after winning at Michigan. Then conference commissioner Jim Delany banned the action. ... Although Illinois players certainly should act like they've been there before, the reality is they haven't. The Illini last won a Big Ten game in 2004, so a majority of the roster had never experienced a conference victory. As for Michigan State, the freefall has started and coach John L. Smith could become a casualty. Have Smith and his staff have already lost the team? "We can't get them to go," he said. ... More bad news: Next up for Sparty is Michigan at the Big House. The following week, No. 1 Ohio State comes to Spartan Stadium. Realtors in East Lansing get ready. There could be some property to move.